Congratulations to SMU faculty, staff and students who were recognized at the 2010 Awards Extravaganza on April 19.

Receiving the “M” Award, SMU’s most prestigious honor, are five faculty and staff members and 10 students (see below) whose contributions to the University are “above and beyond the call of duty.” Faculty and staff recipients include:

• Missy Bryant, director of new student orientation and student support, Division of Student Affairs
• Dennis Foster, D.D. Frensley Professor of English, Dedman College
• Betty McHone, coordinator, Office of the Chaplain and Religious Life
• John O’Connor, associate vice president and University controller, Business and Finance
• Harold Stanley, Geurin-Pettus Distinguished Chair in American Politics and Political Economy, Dedman College

Faculty and staff recipients of Students’ Association Awards are recognized for giving unselfishly to the students and the University as a whole. The recipients are:

The Willis M. Tate Award, also given by the Students’ Association, was presented to David Weber, Robert and Nancy Dedman Professor of History and director of the William P. Clements Center for Southwest Studies in Dedman College. The award honors an outstanding faculty member who has been involved in student life.

Recipients of the Outstanding Faculty Teaching Awards presented by the Rotunda yearbook include:

• Carolyn Barta, senior lecturer in journalism, Meadows School of the Arts
• Maria Dixon, assistant professor of corporate communications and public affairs, Meadows School of the Arts
• Diana Howard, lecturer in English, Dedman College
• Gabriela Vokic, assistant professor of Spanish, Dedman College

Receiving the Extra Mile Awards, presented by Students for New Learning for graciousness and sensitivity to students with learning differences:

The Outstanding Faculty/Staff Volunteer Award was presented to Raul Magdaleno, associate director of diversity and community outreach, Meadows School of the Arts, for “exemplary community service outside the University.”

• Sylvia Bearden – James E. Caswell Award, based on contributions to resident student life
• Christene Dino – Umphrey Lee Award, based on involvement in the SMU community
• Katie Brattain – Avella Winn Hay Award, based on scholarship, character and contribution to the SMU community

Receiving John L. Freehafer Awards, based on recipients’ interest in student life, activities and government are: